The opening day of the IBA 2025 Men’s Boxing World Championships delivered an action-packed showcase of elite boxing, with rapid stoppages, tactical masterclasses, and emotional victories across both Ring A and Ring B. Athletes from around the world set an electric tone for what promises to be a historic tournament featuring a record $8.32 million prize pool.

Heavyweights Deliver Explosive Early Finishes

The evening sessions sparked to life with a series of lightning-fast stoppages. Kazakhstan’s Nurmagamed Yussupov dismantled Tajikistan’s Navruz Jafoev in under 30 seconds. Tonga’s Unaloto Havea matched that pace, overwhelming Lebanon’s Abdullah Bou with a ferocious first-round barrage that forced a 29-second stoppage.

Australia’s Leo Nicolson closed the session in style, flattening Zimbabwe’s Mzobanzi Moyo with a perfectly timed right hand. Germany’s Daniel Lokstein suffered a punishing defeat at the hands of Greece’s Vagkan Nanitzanian, who secured a dominant 5-0 win.

Skillful Displays Across the Weight Divisions

Down the weights, Uzbekistan’s talented light-welterweight Sayat Ilyasov outclassed Anas Sleiman, forcing a corner retirement at the end of round two. In a technical clash at 63.5kg, Russia’s Ilia Popov defeated former Olympian Fiston Mbaya despite a late low blow.

Czech southpaw David Karbas impressed with a first-round body-shot stoppage against Ecuador’s Matias Arosemena, while Mongolia’s Davaadalai Altangerel edged Australia’s Mitchell Lederman via split decision.

Armenia’s Ararat Harutyunyan overpowered Indonesia’s Alfino Caesar, earning two eight-counts on the way to victory. Sri Lanka’s Mohommed Usaith boxed smartly to defeat Rwanda’s Innocent Mugenga, and Greek pressure fighter Stelios Kirsanidis advanced by unanimous verdict against Swaziland’s Thabiso Dlamini.

Precision, Pressure, and Dominance in Ring B

Ethiopia’s Zekerya Dawd and Kenya’s Hassan Bakari opened the Ring B action with a spirited bantamweight battle, with Bakari’s accuracy earning a unanimous win. Tajikistan’s Anushervon Fazylov produced a composed performance to defeat Mozambique’s Paulo Banguine.

Rwanda’s Pacifique Niyonzima neutralized the experience of Zimbabwe’s Nyongoloza Ntandoyenkosi to secure a unanimous decision. In a contentious bout, Luxembourg-based Michael Likalu edged Palestine’s Qasim Abudabaa‘t in a split decision after a controversial first-round standing count.

Seychelles’ Joshua Cousin blasted out Tanzania’s Methew Kasilika in under 30 seconds in one of the day’s fastest stoppages. Israel’s Miroslav Kapuler-Ishchenko battled through facial damage to defeat Osward Talaka of the Solomon Islands.

British Athletes Shine on Opening Day

There was early success for both England and Scotland.

England’s Mehdi Sahak delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over Solomon Islands’ Maximillian Makana, showcasing polished movement and crisp jabs.

Scotland’s 19-year-old Leo Church overcame adversity—including a point deduction for a low blow—to secure a gritty split-decision win over Senegal’s Cheikh Diop.

“The prize money is a great opportunity, but for me it’s about performance,” Church said. “It’s good to get that first win out of the way.”

Asian and European Contenders Impress

Uzbekistan’s light-heavyweight Javokhir Ummataliev reinforced his status as a medal threat with a clinical 5-0 win. Azerbaijan’s Mahammadali Ashiraliyev was similarly dominant, while Ecuador’s Kevin Mosquera Quintero overpowered American Austin Lenehan at 60kg.

Greece’s Georgios Pleas started strong but ultimately fell to Latvia’s Matvejs Prokudins, who rallied to win 5-0. Mali’s Abdoul Karim Bathily edged a tight 4-3 split decision over Nepal’s Khagendra Roka Magar, and Albania’s Ariol Zeneli earned a decisive win against Thailand’s Thichakorn Srisakul.

India’s Praveen Kumar showcased his skill and patience, dominating Afghanistan’s Yawari Amaun, prompting a towel stoppage. In a dramatic turnaround, Bahamas’ Rashield Williams arrived late for his bout but finished Samoa’s Jason Wulf in the second round.

Prize Money a “Life-Changing” Opportunity, Says India’s Pravesh Kumar

Later in Ring B, India’s Pravesh Kumar scored a 5-2 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Christopher Luteke in a grueling light-heavyweight clash.

Kumar spoke passionately after the bout: “This prize money can be life-changing. Especially for medal winners—gold, silver, bronze. I’m grateful for my team. It’s all about teamwork. Their support gives me strength in the ring.”

Scotland’s Alan Perrie Survives Early Scare to Win Firefight

Scotland’s Alan Perrie overcame an early knockdown to defeat Angola’s Avelino Luzito 4-1 in a high-tempo battle.

“I’m absolutely buzzing,” Perrie said after securing the win at his first Men’s World Championship. “I love this sport. In a hard fight, I bite down and push through.”

Additional Standout Highlights

Alban Beqiri of Albania battled through a deep cut to claim a split decision over Sweden’s Adolphe Sylva.

Turkey’s Bayram Malkan forced a stoppage after opening a severe cut on Paraguay’s Rody Riquelme.

French Polynesia’s Ricardo Nena outpointed Sri Lanka’s Harassiya Rathnasiri despite a point deduction.

India’s Akash Kachari fell to Argentina’s technically sharp Agustin Veron in their heavyweight opener.

Brazil’s Paiva Brasil and Senegal’s Karamba Kebe each secured important wins.

Argentina’s Thomas Casazza impressed with a wide UD over Greece’s Dimitrios Nikolaou at 67kg.

Tonga’s Tevita Malupo was awarded a KO victory over Sierra Leone’s Tamba Bafor in a controversial finish.

A Powerful Start to a Historic Championship

With one of the deepest fields in IBA history and an unprecedented prize purse, Day One delivered every ingredient of world-class boxing—explosive knockouts, strategic brilliance, and inspiring resilience.

The IBA 2025 Men’s World Boxing Championships continue tomorrow in Dubai, with athletes from around the world vying for glory, national pride, and life-changing rewards